Young artists surprise in the Paddock

Winner: Robert Barnstone's sculpture 'Cleft' won the 2017 Sculpture in the Paddock main prize, amid much strong competition from many of the other sculptures which were on display this year. Photo: Yass Arts.

Sculpture in the Paddock is here for another year, and according to organiser Al Phemister, it’s been a bigger success than ever before.

Pretty flowers: 'Daisy Chains' by Melanie Lyons peppered the ground across the paddock, giving it a lovely dappling of white among the green. Photo: Yass Arts.

“It’s actually been very successful, we’ve actually more visitors to this exhibition and sold more artworks than ever before,” Mr Phemister said.

Ba-bum: 'Rhythms of My Heart', by Naomi Royds. The tall sculptures dominate the landscape and provide an interesting insight to the artist. Photo: Yass Arts.

He believes that the growing popularity of the exhibit is cumulative, and that the number of visitors will continue to increase as years pass.

“I think it’s just a case of the event’s growing, and people are becoming more aware of it, and making the effort to visit.

“I think it’s just something that’s growing from year to year, essentially.”

One of the highlights of the exhibit for Mr Phemister was seeing the abundance of artistic talent in Yass come to the fore.

“Aw, it’s just beginning. There’s so much potential, the kids’ work is fantastic,” Mr Phemister said.

“We’ve sold more student work than we’ve ever sold before, $1500 worth of student work.”

However, Mr Phemister did not restrict his praise solely to the local youth; he effused applause for the wide variety and extreme creativity of all participating artists.

Artist Roger Buckman with his people's choice award next to his installation

“I think there’s been something for everybody. There’s a great diversity up there [at the paddock],” he said.

“Some are really well considered and something to ponder over, and some that are just whimsical and cheeky and a touch of fun.